The red brick facade of Stralsund Hauptbahnhof is a sight to behold. It stands there like a sturdy sentinel, guarding the city’s railway heart. The station was first opened in 1863, a simple wooden structure meant to be quickly destroyed in case of an attack. As Stralsund was a fortress, the Prussian war minister wanted to make sure that the station wouldn’t become a target for enemies. This small wooden building served its purpose for a few decades, but the city’s growing economy called for a more permanent structure.
So in 1903 the construction of the present station began. It was designed in the Neo-Gothic style by Alexander Rüdell and Hans Stubbe. The station was officially inaugurated on March 29, 1905. Inside the station, there were three waiting rooms, one for ladies, one for first and second class passengers, and one for third and fourth class passengers. It also had a tower, which was meant to resemble the architecture of the city’s three large parish churches.
Stralsund Hauptbahnhof was a bustling hub for decades, serving both passenger and freight traffic. Sadly, the station’s freight importance has diminished over time. Yet, the station’s role in passenger transport has remained significant and it is now a major stop for both regional and long-distance trains. Today, the station features a modernized glass roof and a comfortable waiting area with shops and services. You can feel the history in the grand hall of Stralsund Hauptbahnhof but yet the station is alive with activity, a testament to its enduring importance.